Baseball has gone through much evolution over the centuries. Fans have witnessed both amazing and bad performances. Most have taken it as fun and entertainment, but not when it happens in high-stakes games. Major League Baseball has housed many a fierce rivalry, like the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. Likewise, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants have their famous feud on the other coast. The recent game between the two teams has captured all the attention due to its unusual on-field antics.
Originating from different boroughs in New York City, these two teams are now housed on the West Coast. But their long-held enmity remains and fans still follow it closely. So when the recent match-up between the two teams happened, baseball fans were excited. However, the moment was stolen by a bizarre play on the field.
Chaos and confusion ensue at Dodger Stadium
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The Dodgers and Giants were engaged in a heated battle which led to extra innings. Then at the bottom of the 11th, many thought it looked like minor leaguers had taken over Dodger Stadium! As the Giants lead the game 7-5, Michael Busch played the role of an automatic runner on second base. When Mookie Betts hit the ball against pitcher Jakob Junis, he thought he would be out. But the outfielder didn’t account for the Giants’ Casey Schmitt, who was apparently having trouble keeping track of the ball. It ultimately ricocheted off his glove, and the players proceeded to make some other bad decisions.
What in the world just happened pic.twitter.com/zXG1s0lkq9
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 17, 2023
It seemed like Junis decided to throw out Betts, who was actually safe at first base. However, the ball flew into foul territory, and even Junis was surprised. “I literally threw it, and I was so shocked that I threw the ball, let alone into right field,” the pitcher later admitted. Busch had taken off for the third base but made a 180 to go back home, something Betts never saw. It was pandemonium.
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Betts then also headed for third while Busch was caught between bases. Luckily for them, the Giants made more errors, but perhaps more unluckily, so did the Dodgers. While Betts ultimately ended up at third base, it made no difference because Freddie Freeman struck out. Thus, ending the game, with the Giants’ 7-5 victory. The ballplayers seemed to be in a daze afterward and it certainly surprised fans at this sequence, labeling their moves as childish and what not.
Baseball fans mock the teams for ‘childish’ moves
Poor judgment and bad decision-making are something that affects everyone, even athletes. While one might expect that even MLB players are prone to mistakes, fans found this series of plays bizarre at this level.
What the actual fuck did I just watch
— stxrm (@stxrmcj) June 17, 2023
A whole lotta carelessness
— Jacob Lintner (@lintnermedia) June 17, 2023
Dodger voodoo magic almost struck again WHAT THE HECK https://t.co/MP5DLIZDnS
— Blake Newsom (@NewsomSportsATL) June 17, 2023
Many pointed out the inability of the players, while some were happy to see the teams mess up.
I’m not sure if I’ve seen two teams each mess up so badly on one play.
— CTF (@CTFFootball) June 17, 2023
Just so bad. Bad bullpen pitching. Bad baserunning. Emmet deserved better after pitching a gem. I cannot with this late inning sloppy mess. I cannot. Do better.
— LeahofDodgersLand (@dodgerstopshelf) June 17, 2023
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I was mad about that blown ball 4 earlier but holy shit was it worth it to watch the dodgers embarrass themselves
— Ben (@tumbo_2) June 17, 2023
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Betts later took responsibility for the situation and for the mistakes he made, but everyone seemed bewildered even after the game.
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